In the realities of Ukraine, this concept goes beyond the classic image of a volunteer or an ambulance doctor. It is also about those who create new standards of work, transforming chaotic responses to the crisis into systemic solutions that shape the future. Over the three years of full-scale Russian war against Ukraine, humanitarian aid in Ukraine has gone from an emergency response to structured and long-term programs. In 2022, the main task was to make time: to deliver medicines, equipment or products to where they are needed immediately. Today, systematicity, strategy and the ability to build solutions that will work for years come to the fore.

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This transition means abandoning the “firefighting” model and moving towards investments in sustainable infrastructure, modernizing medical facilities, developing local services, and creating new standards in the field of healthcare.‍‍

Local NGOs: Untapped Potential

Despite their key role in the lives of communities, Ukrainian charitable foundations and NGOs receive an extremely small share of funding. According to a study by Refugees International (2024), less than 1% of almost $10 billion in humanitarian funds for Ukraine went directly to local organizations. At the same time, the effectiveness of Ukrainian NGOs is confirmed by the numbers: they work 15.5% more efficiently than international structures, and their administrative costs are only 1.7% - against up to 7% for UN agencies.

“International donors often perceive us only as performers of ready-made tasks. But Ukrainian foundations are strategic players. We know the context, see problems from the inside, and can react faster and more accurately than anyone from the outside. It is time to move from the “donor-performer” model to a partnership where both parties bear strategic responsibility,” emphasizes Natalia Tulinova.

Ukraine is already integrating elements of recovery into humanitarian programs: modernization of hospitals, development of local services, introduction of digital tools and new standards in the field of healthcare. Local NGOs, in particular ZDOROVI, are invested in solutions that remain effective even without external funding, forming partner networks and adapting international experience to Ukrainian realities. The unique combination of medical expertise and direct access to doctors, patients and communities allows ZDOROVI to create programs that simultaneously meet current needs and lay the foundation for the future of the healthcare system.

“International organizations may stop funding, but Ukrainian funds will remain. For us, humanitarian aid is not a temporary project, but a responsibility to our own society,” adds Natalia Tulinova.‍‍

Localization as a global trend

The international humanitarian community has been talking about localization for several years now - the transfer of resources and powers to local organizations. In Ukraine, this process is proceeding faster than in many countries, but it also faces greater challenges: from a lack of funding to barriers in international aid policy.

“Global donors must recognize that local funds are not temporary executors in a crisis, but players who build the future. ZDOROVI is ready to be a strategic partner and architect of New Medicine, where the lives of Ukrainians will be high-quality, dignified and safe,” emphasizes Tulinova.

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The “donor-implementer” model has exhausted its potential. A “donor-partner” approach is being formed, where local organizations become co-creators of programs, and not just instruments for their implementation.

This provides:

- more efficient use of resources;

- faster response to needs;

- sustainability of solutions even after funding ends.

On World Humanitarian Day, it is important to remember that the humanitarian sector is not only a response to a crisis, but also an investment in a sustainable future. Ukraine has a powerful resource - its own organizations that know the context, have expertise and are able to form systemic solutions. Recognition of this role is a step towards a new partnership model, in which aid turns into development, and short-term programs into long-term changes.

Today is the best moment to express gratitude to everyone who makes this work possible: from field teams working in the most difficult conditions to analysts and coordinators who create effective programs. Gratitude belongs to both Ukrainian and international organizations, because their dedication and professionalism save lives every day and bring us closer to a world where humanitarian aid becomes the foundation of a dignified and safe life for all.

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